Quick Start Guide to SPU

Information covered in this Guide

mySPU

Most of the information you will need on the SPU website can be accessed through the “mySPU” link on the top right corner of the homepage www.spu.edu. Here you will see quick links to Banner (the registration platform), Canvas (online course platform), Catalog, and Time Schedule (course schedule). Under the “Current Students” drop-down menu in the toolbar across the top of the page, you will also see links to Student Financial Services and Student Academic Services, offices that manage registration, withdrawal, transcripts, enrollment verification, policies, etc.

Above the toolbar at the very top of the page will also link you to maps, directions, the Library, and importantly, departments and people. These are great navigation tools for finding departments, faculty, staff, and students. You can also easily find the School of Education pages through the link titled “Academics”. 

Catalog and Time Schedule 

Follow the link to the Catalog/Time Schedule from “mySPU,” and you will see a list of Time Schedules and Catalogs by academic year and separated out by Undergraduate Time Schedule and Catalog and Graduate Time Schedule and Catalog. 

Catalog

The catalog is the university's contract with the students and both students and the university are expected to uphold the policies in the catalog of their admissions year. This is the only Catalog you will be required to uphold, as policies or degree requirements may change while you are a student here. There are many important components to the Catalog, including academic policies, with which you should be familiar. If there is ever a disagreement about a policy, we will always refer to the Catalog. The 2022-2023 catalog is here: https://spu.edu/catalog/graduate/20223

Time Schedule

The time schedule is where you will find the dates, times, rooms, and instructors for courses in your Program. The time schedule is published every April for the upcoming academic year. We make it a priority to not change the time schedule after it is published but sometimes changes are necessary. Do check the time schedule prior to registration to review the dates/times of your courses. The most important aspect of the Time Schedule is the course CRN (Course Reference Number). This is the number you will use to register for the course in Banner. Please do not search for courses while in Banner, as this function is less reliable. 

For additional information on time schedule and registration you can refer to the following pages

• Time Schedule SOE wiki page
• How to Read the Time Schedule in the catalog
• Registration SOE wiki page

Banner

From the SPU homepage, select “mySPU”, then Banner (not Administrative Banner), which will take you to a log-in page. You should use your SPU email address (without “@spu.edu”) as your username and your SPU email password for your password.

The main page will present you with at least two menus: Student and Personal. A list of the functions of each is noted on that page. 

The student menu is where you will be find registration information, financial aid information, your student account, etc. 

The personal menu is where you can change your password, apply for parking, update personal information, update your emergency contact, etc. 

Textbooks

Within the Registration Menu, you can order your texts directly from the SPU Bookstore. Please see the Ordering Textbooks wiki page for more information.         

Canvas

From the SPU homepage, select “mySPU”, then Canvas, which will take you to a log-in page. You can log in with your SPU user name and password. 

When you log in, a list of your current courses that utilize Canvas will appear. If none of your current classes are online or have an online component they will not show up. Instructors are responsible for publishing canvas courses and should have their canvas site posted no later than 5 pm the first day of class. While some faculty are able to open their canvas sites early, not all are able to do so. 

If you are not familiar with Canvas or online learning, please visit the Canvas welcome page. Should you run into any trouble with Canvas, contact etm@spu.edu.

SPU Email Address

Your SPU email address will be the primary means we use to communicate with you for confidentiality reasons. To find detailed directions for accessing your email account information and your email address for the first time, go to Setup Your Account. Your SPU email address and password will allow you to access both Banner and Canvas. If you have any problems or questions, contact the HelpDesk at help@spu.edu or (206)281-2982.

Academic Calendar

The SPU academic calendar is located here and includes important dates and deadlines, including registration, refunds, holidays, and high ceremony events. We recommend you write holidays down (evening classes may still be held depending on the holiday), first day of instruction, last day of instruction, registration for the upcoming quarter, and date grades are due. 

Library Research Materials

The Ames Library website is a key place to go when you begin looking for quality resources for required research papers. Exploring the Education Subject Guide is a good idea. There are very helpful videos offering instructions about library resources. Specifically, there are instructional videos in the subject guide on how to find books using Primo, how to search for quality academic articles, and some basics on APA.

We also recommend taking time to get to know the Education Librarian for the School of Education. This person is dedicated to, not only working with SOE students regarding their research needs but also teaching you how to be an independent researcher. Additionally, you should examine the Education Subject Guides for quality resources.

Falcon Card and Photo for SPU Systems

The Falcon Card is the official multipurpose campus card that is used for photo identification, meal plan access, campus Falcon Funds purchases, entrance into select campus buildings, SPU Library privileges, and admission to or discounts on certain SPU-sponsored activities. Falcon Card Services is located in the University Services office on 6^th Ave. The photo for this card also syncs as the default photo to several SPU systems. You must come to campus to retrieve the physical card.

Falcon Funds are SPU’s official campus currency which can be used around campus to purchase food at our many dining locations (tax-free), make non-dining purchases at the SPU Bookstore, Mailing Services, use printers/copiers around campus, and at all campus vending machines. Falcon Funds can be added to your Falcon Card Account, are non-transferable, and are eligible for a refund upon separation from SPU. More information on how to get your first Falcon Card can be found on the Falcon Card Services website.

Directions for Online Students

If you are an online student and do not plan to retrieve your Falcon Card on campus, which is a requirement, you are still encouraged to upload a photo so that you appear in SPU systems (Outlook email, Banner, etc.) This helps personalize your experience during the program. Please complete step 1 only so that your photo is uploaded, but a card will not be made for you.

Virtual Campus Tour

Take a look around the SPU campus here!

Parking

During the regular academic year, from the first day of Autumn quarter to the last day of classes in the Spring, all Commuter parking lots (with the exception of the S lot), are free to park in before 7 am and after 6 pm Monday through Friday, and all day on Saturday and Sunday. During the summer, all lots are open for parking. Safety and Security require that people do not park in handicap, fire lanes, or reserved spaces (any numbered space), which are enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the entire year. 

Safety and Security also ask that you register your vehicle with their office, even if you do not plan on applying for a parking permit, as this is both a City of Seattle and SPU regulation.

While you can often find street parking, you may also purchase a parking permit or day passes through the Office of Safety and Security. For more information about parking, see the Office of Safety and Security Parking Website.

Accommodations

The University provides a variety of services for eligible students with disabilities. Any student with a documented physical, medical, psychological, or learning disability can schedule an intake interview with a staff person to determine the level of accommodation needed. Please see the Disability Support Services website for more information and to schedule an appointment.